Top Five Acts You NEED To See At SW4 2018

It’s officially August which means SW4 is back this month and it’s better than ever! Celebrating its 15th anniversary, the lineup is packed full of amazing artists and we’re here to give you a heads up on five who you definitely need to see.

Dizzee Rascal

He debuted at SW4 on the mainstage in 2016 with an unbelievable set and now the ‘Boy In Da Corner’ star is back for this year. Dizzee Rascal has been busy since then, releasing his latest album ‘Raskit’ which harks back to his original pioneering grime sounds of The Mercury Prize winning album ‘Boy In Da Corner’ (2003) with heavy bass, fast lyrics and a load of attitude. Dizzee went on a sold-out tour across the UK in winter 2017 showcasing the new album and placing himself tenaciously back in the UK grime scene. But don’t let his grime renaissance fool you into thinking he’s forgotten his chart topping tunes such as Bonkers, Dance Wiv Me and Holiday (all number one hits on ‘Tongue n Cheek’ – 2009) Mr. Rascal still knows how to get the crowd going wild. Expect to see some of his latest material from the new album mixed in with his chart smashing hits and some old school classics like Fix Up Look Sharp and Just A Rascal amongst many others. You definitely don’t want to miss Dizzee; catch him on the Main Stage, afternoon set on Saturday.

Photo Credit: SW4

Idris Elba

Does this man need any introduction?! Beginning his career as a DJ before becoming an actor, Idris Elba is now an award winning world-famous superstar. Starring in Luther, he’s moved his career onto the big screen featuring in Thor,The Avengers, The Jungle Book, Star Trek, Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom amongst many others and has even been tipped to be the next James Bond (something we can definitely get behind). His DJing career may not live up to his acting exploits, but don’t let that put you off seeing him at SW4. Now with 23 years of DJing experience, performing at huge events such as Glastonbury and V Fest as well as performing in Ibiza all summer, it’s safe to say that Idris knows how to get the crowd going. Elba’s now been paired b2b with house artist Low Steppa so it’s sure to be a good one! See Idris Elba on Saturday at Stage 3.

Photo Credit: SW4

My Nu Leng

Originating from Bristol, My Nu Leng are one of the most experienced UK Bass acts around. After their fantastic battle vs Goldie MBE on the Playaz stage at last years SW4, this year they’ve been upgraded to the main stage for the 15th anniversary event showing you just how much they’ve been making waves in the scene. Recently they’ve dabbled into the sphere of D&B by teaming up with Friction; their debut release Jigsaw was well received. My Nu Leng also produced their own BBC R1 Essential Mix in 2017 as well as delivering their second sold out UK tour ‘Leng & M8s’ this year. On top of that, they’re looking to launch ‘Meraki Records’ record label, again teaming up with Friction, so they’ve had a hectic schedule! Their music is hard to properly label due to their varied styles – think D&B, Bass and Electronic all mixed into one but with their own unique sounds on top. We can safely say it’s going to be super lively – so if you like skanking hard and getting your sweat on, you can see My Nu Leng on the Main Stage on Sunday (just make sure you bring a bottle of water and don’t wear your best trainers).

Photo Credit: guestlist.net

DJ EZ

DJ EZ has been performing on the decks since the mid-nineties so it’s safe to say he’s a veteran of the UK Garage scene. This will now be his third SW4 performance after smashing it in both 2013 and 2015 making him an experienced artist for the Clapham festival. Blend this with his humbleness, charm and monumental talent on the decks and it’s easy to see why he’s headlining the 10,000 capacity Indoor Main Stage for this special 15th anniversary festival. EZ’s sets showcase both old school and more recent garage so there’ll be something for all fans and generations. If you’re not sure on garage, DJ EZ headlining at SW4 is the perfect storm of time, place and artist to change your mind; you don’t want to miss it. See DJ EZ at the Indoor Main Stage on Sunday.

Photo Credit: SW4

Craig David

Having surprisingly never performed at SW4, Craig David is popping his South West cherry for this years 15th anniversary celebrations and we’re ecstatic about it. The Southampton-born star rose to fame in 1999 with ‘Re-Rewind’ and was huge star in the early noughties. The last couple of years have seen David make an enormous comeback which has catapulted him back to the top of the UK dance scene including collabs with Kano, Kurupt FM, Mistajam, Bastille and many more. The extremely talented vocalist and DJ boasts 20 UK top 40 singles and seven UK top 40 albums displaying his immense pedigree. He’s launched his own ‘TS5’ show touring the world including sold-out events at the O2 Academy Brixton and O2 arena and has been performing at festivals as well as Ibiza throughout this summer. It’s safe to say he knows how to put on a show. Arguably the biggest artist appearing at South West Four 2018, his set is sure to be making waves so you definitely NEED to see him! Catch Craig David at the Main Stage headlining on Sunday afternoon.